Big Match Breakdown: Stoke City v Manchester United

Mourinho’s men head to the Potteries

Manchester United travel to Stoke City on Saturday evening looking to maintain their excellent start to the season.

Jose Mourinho’s men sit atop the Premier League after three games. Meanwhile, their opponents are 11^th after a mixed start. A win for the hosts could send them up to 2^nd in the table. Three points for the Red Devils will keep them at the summit ahead of their Champions League fixture against FC Basel.

The Coral News Team take a look at all the vital information in the lead up to the Saturday evening clash.

Head-to-head

Manchester United haven’t won in the Potteries since 2013. In fact United have failed to beat Stoke in four of their last five meetings. Overall however, the Red Devils do hold the upper hand. Man Utd have won 43 out of 106 meetings between the two sides.

And the Red Devils look likely to continue that here. They head into the clash in fine form. With nine points from nine, 10 goals scored and none conceded, United are a frightening prospect. Stoke have started more modestly. The Staffordshire side have a win, a draw and a defeat to their name so far.

The likely XIs

Man Utd could hand a starting berth to Marcus Rashford. The 19-year-old scored a spectacular goal for England against Slovakia on Monday night. And he netted in his last United appearance too. If Rashford does come in it’s Anthony Martial that will make way. Otherwise the Red Devils should remain unchanged.

The hosts on the other hand could hand a debut to £18m summer signing Kevin Wimmer. That would signal a change to three at the back for Mark Hughes’ men.

Up-front Eric Choupo-Moting is expected to miss out. The forward has picked up a hamstring injury. He looks set to be replaced by Saido Berahino, who is still searching for his first City goal.